Expert Info
on 4 Jun 2014
I am considering going to University of Cape Town but want to get an idea as to costs. Based upon the University's website, they have the following listed as expenses: Expenses Rand per month Rent R4 000 Living costs R1 500 Food R2 000 Transport R1 000 Pocket money R1 500 Are these reasonable for now or is it out of date? Are there any things that are missing? I will need to live off campus because my wife will be coming with me. We want to live in a safe area that is near the University. I have been told that many real estate companies will not rent to students. Is this true, even for graduate students? If it is, can you suggest where I might be able to find someone that will accept students? I have a Cape Town Safety Map so I know what areas to avoid if that is up to date.
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Having gone to UCT myself, the total of R10,000 you posted will enable you to live, albeit modestly. It may be possible to get rent for R4000, but it is more likely to be around R6,000. If your wife isn't going to be working, R10,000 might be a bit of a stretch.
A lot of the flats and housing in the immediate area are taken up by students, and a few of my friends rented through an estate agent. If you were going to have trouble, I think the fact that you're a post-graduate student will help.
The three most popular areas for students are Rondebosch, Claremont, Mowbray and Observatory (these are in the Southern Suburbs). Some students also live in the City Bowl in areas like Oranjezicht, Vredehoek and Tamboerskloof, and get a bus from the art school to main campus. Either way, if you don't have your own transport, I'd try and suggest getting a place close to one of the Jammie bus stops (the university's student transport service).
You should be safe, there were only a few incidents in my four years there and if you avoid walking in isolated areas after dark you'll be fine (and I did that plenty too).
I hope everything works out for you, and that you enjoy your time there. Here are a few of our pages that might be of interest to you:
Good luck,
Xavier
I'm pretty sure that R8000 would be able to get you a two room apartment in most of the areas mentioned above. Worst case scenario, you'd be able to get a single room apartment in a good area. My top three areas to look at would be Rondebosch, Claremont and Mowbray.
It isn't necessary to learn Afrikaans. There are very, very few people who don't speak English here. There are plenty of game parks within a few hours of Cape Town, while the city is surrounded by natural beauty.
Most game parks have trained rangers, in the event of any baby escapes. Seriously though, most tours take place in the comfort of your or the game park's vehicle and there isn't anything to worry about.
Hope you enjoy the move, let me know if there's anything you need anytime.
Best wishes,
Xavier